Perceptions of crime : a comparative study of Essen, Germany and Malta

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the perceptions of crime in two contrasting settings: In contrast, Essen which is an industrial metropolitan area and Malta a Mediterranean island state. The study's main purpose is to examine how the urban context (taking into account the different aspects of it) affects residents’ perceptions of crime, their trust in the criminal justice system, and their own encounters with crimes. Such research is the key to the development of sophisticated crime prevention measures which are to be sensitive to the specific conditions of different environments in terms of the culture as well as the type of terrain. The study makes use of a cross-sectional survey design. The survey data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire distributed through Google Forms to residents of Essen and Malta. Yet, the data collected was both quantitative and qualitative. The survey, which was a combination of demographic questions, scales on crime perception, and items relating to criminal justice attitudes, was aimed at obtaining a complete knowledge on the variables affecting the crime perception. The strategy for data collection was intended to have a broad reach through social media platforms, local forums and email lists thus ensuring an inclusive sample that increases the generalizability and applicability of the findings. The findings reveal significant differences in crime perception between the two locations. Residents of Essen reported higher perceptions of violent and property crimes, reflecting the complex social dynamics of a larger metropolitan area. In contrast, Maltese respondents showed heightened awareness and concern for white-collar and drug-related crimes, influenced by the island's specific socio-economic conditions. Both regions exhibited moderate trust in law enforcement, though the degree of confidence varied according to individual and community-level experiences. These discrepancies suggest that urban and insular environments uniquely shape residents' perceptions of crime, necessitating tailored approaches to law enforcement and community safety strategies. The study concludes that effective crime prevention requires not only addressing actual crime rates but also the public's perceptions and fears, which are deeply influenced by local conditions and media representations. The implications of these findings are critical for policymakers, suggesting that crime prevention initiatives should be contextually adapted to address the specific needs and perceptions of different urban populations. Strategies that enhance police visibility and community engagement in Essen, coupled with efforts to combat drug-related issues and white-collar crimes in Malta, could improve public trust and safety perceptions.